Newham’s 81 Passivhaus Homes, Manor Park 2026

Key Points

• Newham Council has completed 81 new affordable homes at the Greenhill Centre in Manor Park for residents on the borough’s housing waiting list.
• The development was delivered in partnership with Higgins Partnerships.
• It includes nine wheelchair accessible homes.
• All homes are built and certified to Passivhaus Classic standards, requiring far less energy to heat, staying comfortable year-round, and helping reduce energy bills.
• The site features Gold Secured by Design accreditation, a community garden, mature trees, new public spaces, and a gym.
• These elements contribute to a healthier environment and support the regeneration of Manor Park.
• Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, Mayor of Newham, praised the homes for providing stability and community foundations.
• Colin Ricketts, regional director of Higgins Partnerships, highlighted the high-quality Passivhaus standards, improved air quality, reduced energy demand, and social value initiatives like apprenticeships and work placements.
• Newham Council’s housing programme, launched in 2021, prioritises family-sized homes, accessible housing, and sustainable design, with resident involvement via ballots and co-design.
• Resident Salma from the earlier Plashet Road Passivhaus development reported lower bills, better temperature control, affordability, and suitability for her daughter’s mobility needs.

Manor Park, Newham (East London Times) March 31, 2026 – Newham Council has handed over 81 affordable Passivhaus-certified homes at the Greenhill Centre, marking a significant boost to housing for those on the borough’s waiting list. Developed in partnership with Higgins Partnerships, the project includes nine wheelchair accessible units and emphasises energy efficiency, accessibility, and community benefits.

What Are Passivhaus Homes and Why Do They Matter in Newham?

Passivhaus homes, certified to Passivhaus Classic standards, demand far less energy for heating while maintaining year-round comfort. This design helps residents cut energy bills substantially. The Greenhill Centre development achieves this through rigorous insulation, airtight construction, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.

As detailed in coverage by Housing Digital, the homes align with Newham’s push for sustainable housing. The Gold Secured by Design scheme adds security features, enhancing resident safety. Additional amenities include a community garden, mature trees, new public spaces, and a gym, fostering a healthier environment amid Manor Park’s regeneration.

Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, Mayor of Newham, stated:

“These homes will change lives for many families. A stable, genuinely affordable home gives people the foundations they need to thrive – raise their children, focus on work and feel part of their community. I’m proud that our council is delivering homes like these for our residents. This is about giving everyone the stability they deserve and building stronger communities across our borough.”

Who Partnered on the Greenhill Centre Project?

Higgins Partnerships collaborated closely with Newham Council on the Greenhill Centre. Colin Ricketts, regional director of Higgins Partnerships, remarked:

“We are delighted to celebrate the completion of Greenhill Centre, which, alongside our John Street development, has delivered high-quality Passivhaus homes that will provide residents with greater comfort, improved air quality and reduced energy demand. Alongside these homes, we’ve worked closely with the local community to deliver meaningful social value, including apprenticeships and work placements for borough residents, and community initiatives and opportunities for young people to explore careers in construction.”

This partnership extends to social value efforts, such as apprenticeships and work placements prioritising local residents. The John Street development, also by Higgins, complements Greenhill by delivering similar Passivhaus standards.

How Does This Fit into Newham’s Broader Housing Programme?

Newham Council’s housing programme, launched in 2021, focuses on family-sized homes, accessible units, and sustainable design. Residents shape projects through ballots and co-design processes, ensuring community input.

The Greenhill Centre aligns with these goals, directly addressing the waiting list with 81 affordable units. It builds on prior successes, like the Plashet Road development, one of Newham’s first Passivhaus affordable schemes.

Salma, a resident at Plashet Road who moved in last year, shared:

“It’s a big improvement on our previous place. The rent is affordable and because it’s environmentally friendly it’s warmer in winter and cooler in summer, so the bills are much cheaper – it works for our daughter’s mobility needs too.”

This resident feedback underscores the practical benefits, from cost savings to improved living conditions.

What Community Benefits Does the Development Offer?

Beyond housing, the Greenhill Centre enhances Manor Park through green spaces and facilities. The community garden and mature trees promote biodiversity and wellbeing. New public spaces encourage social interaction, while the gym supports physical health.

These features contribute to wider regeneration efforts. Higgins Partnerships emphasised community initiatives, including opportunities for young people in construction careers. Such investments aim to build stronger, healthier neighbourhoods.

As reported across local outlets, the development’s design integrates seamlessly with the area, boosting local pride and sustainability.

Why Is Passivhaus Certification Significant for Affordable Housing?

Passivhaus standards ensure homes use up to 90% less heating energy than conventional builds. In Newham, where fuel poverty affects many, this certification directly lowers bills and carbon emissions. The Classic level demands precise engineering, from triple-glazed windows to super-insulation.

Housing Digital noted the link to broader Passivhaus trends (Passivhaus). For waiting list families, these homes provide not just shelter but long-term affordability and comfort.

Mayor Fiaz’s comments highlight the life-changing impact: stable housing enables family thriving and community integration.

How Have Residents Responded to Newham’s Passivhaus Homes?

Early adopters like Salma demonstrate tangible gains. Her experience at Plashet Road—cheaper bills, consistent temperatures, and mobility-friendly design—mirrors expectations for Greenhill residents.

No negative feedback appears in reports, with emphasis on improvements over previous accommodations. Higgins’ social value programmes further support integration, offering training and jobs.

What Role Does Higgins Partnerships Play in Newham’s Regeneration?

Higgins has delivered multiple Passivhaus projects here, including John Street. Their regional director, Colin Ricketts, stressed collaboration with locals for apprenticeships, placements, and youth initiatives.

This approach delivers housing while generating employment and skills. The Greenhill Centre’s completion celebrates these dual benefits.

How Does Newham Involve Residents in Housing Projects?

The 2021 programme mandates resident ballots and co-design. This democratic process ensures developments reflect community needs, from family sizes to accessibility.

At Greenhill, this likely influenced the nine wheelchair homes and family focus, prioritising waiting list demands.

What Is the Impact on Manor Park’s Regeneration?

Manor Park benefits from enhanced public realms, green areas, and a gym. These upgrades combat urban density issues, promoting health and cohesion.

The development supports Newham’s net-zero ambitions, aligning with London-wide sustainability drives.

Why Prioritise Family-Sized and Accessible Homes?

Newham’s waiting list features many families and those needing adaptations. The 81 homes, with nine accessible units, target these groups directly.

Salma’s testimonial illustrates suitability for children with mobility needs, reinforcing the council’s strategy.